END OF 1442 AH RAMADAN FAST CUM ‘IDUL-FITRI CELEBRATIONS

26th Ramadan, 1442 AH
8th May, 2021

“Do not begin the fast until you sight the (Ramadan) crescent and do not terminate fasting until you sight it (Shawwal Crescent). If the new moon is concealed from you, then work out what it should be.”

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, felicitates with the entire Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and all over the world on the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan Fast, and is wishing them all Allah’s immeasurable rewards for fasting and His abundant blessings. The Council also prays that the Almighty Allah spare our lives to witness many happy returns of Ramadan on earth.

In preparation for the 1442 AH ‘Idul-Fitri celebrations, the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) of the NSCIA has advised the President-General that the crescent of Shawwal should be searched for on Tuesday, 11th May, 2021 equivalent to 29th Ramadan, 1442 AH. If the crescent is actually sighted by informed persons on Tuesday night and His Eminence is so advised by the experts, he would address the Press to declare Wednesday, 12th May, 2021 as the first day of Shawwal (‘Id day). If, however, the crescent is not sighted on Tuesday night, Thursday, 13th May, 2021 automatically becomes the first of Shawwal, 1442 AH (‘Id day). A press statement to that effect would be issued on Tuesday night.

Muslims all over the country are hereby enjoined to be on the lookout for the directive of His Eminence, the President-General of the NSCIA, on the completion of this year’s Ramadan fast.
In addition to the established and traditional Islamic leaders in each locality, the following members of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) can be contacted to report credible and positive sighting of the Crescent of Ramadan.

While reminding the Ummah of the necessity of paying Zakatul-Fitri with the intention of lifting the hearts of the indigent members of the community, the Council urges all to ensure its delivery to the appropriate recipients (i.e. the poor) and guard against its diversion by any agent or intermediary.

Though Ramadan may have come to an end, the lessons in it must continue to reflect in the lives of Muslims. The Council encourages them to continue praying for peaceful co-existence in Nigeria, as they keep the virtues and gains of the sacred month as a spiritual guide towards our accelerated development as individuals and a nation.

All media houses in the country are requested to kindly publicise the awaited announcement of the Moon-sighting by His Eminence, the President-General of the NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto.

‘Id Mubarak in advance!

Signed:

Prof. Salisu Shehu
Deputy Secretary General
Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs